Member Comments for the Article:

The Healing Power of Touch

How Physical Contact Improves Your Health

16 Comments

FOXGLOVE999

I reread the article, and it doesn't suggest touching strangers without consent.

Anyway, my dogs have been a lifesaver for me with regard to this. My children are grown now, so I don't get cuddle time with them anymore. My husband and I are separated. And I'm something of a misanthrop. They are using dogs at universities during exams, and hospital cancer wards to reduce stress. Petting a dog can be a great stress reducer.
- 10/28/2014 8:47:56 AM

I was very disappointed with this posting and the responses..not what I expected from Spark. In 2014, encouraging touch of any kind (other than hand shake) with non family is inappropriate and potentially criminal.

NO HUGS ARE NOT GOOD FOR EVERYONE. My partner is a therapist, and I am an adult educator... This article is misguided... And uninformed to legal issues and professional behavior
- 10/14/2014 8:35:20 AM

I believe vitamin H (hugs) can heal a lot of things. One thing I've found they don't heal is smiling, it justs make smiling worse (for most people). My husband's company is small (eight employees) and if I go into the office with him you can see the smiles begin because most of the guys say "alright, we get our vitamin H today". The one's that don't feel comfortable (which are only two) just smile and say "good morning, hope you have a good day" and stand in the doorway instead of coming into the office I use. You have to take a que from other people as to how they feel about hugging, being alert to reactions from watching the others get a hug is a good indicator of how another person feels about hugs. I desensitize them with a pat on the shoulder, a hand on their arm for a moment, or some other small touch, it may be as small as a few extra words and soon they are inside the office and smiling even though they may not be huggable yet.
- 12/13/2013 11:44:58 AM

I think given someone a hug is great. You don't know what that person have been through for the day and a hug will do them good. And also telling a person you love them is great as well.
- 6/18/2013 12:47:43 PM

Man, I must be healthy as can be! Every time I sit on the couch (daily), my son jumps on me & starts cuddling and all three of my dogs jump on my lap or snuggle next to me. I often love it, but it can get very confining. Sometimes I need to get up just to get a little break!

It's also wise to make sure others are OK with touching if you don't know them well. Personal space should be respected.
- 6/14/2013 11:25:56 AM

Man, I must be healthy as can be! Every time I sit on the couch (daily), my son jumps on me & starts cuddling and all three of my dogs jump on my lap or snuggle next to me. I often love it, but it can get very confining. Sometimes I need to get up just to get a little break!

It's also wise to make sure others are OK with touching if you don't know them well. Personal space should be respected.
- 6/14/2013 11:25:40 AM

I recall reading an article in National Geographic some time ago about an African tribe. When the family is sitting together, every family member is touching other family members -- a leg, arm. There were a series of photos of the families in informal settings, and the family members always maintained physical contact with one another.

What bonding!

Would be a great remedy for the isolation that occurs in our society!
- 5/27/2013 9:37:57 PM

I agree! We live in a touch-deprived culture, so some turn to food, drugs, alcohol to try and lift the spirit. Exercise and touch are healthy ways to feel great. I do amateur massage and have taught groups how to work on their own neck (in the absence of someone else). It works wonders! Just purchase arnica oil and rub in circles on your neck (lying down in bed without pillow). You would be amazed how much this helps the circulation.
- 5/27/2013 5:01:31 PM

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